Biodiversity and Classification

Flashcards about Biodiversity and Classification Systems

Biodiversity

A large variety of living organisms on our planet as well as the interaction between them.

International day for biodiversity

25th of May

Why is biodiversity important?

Variety allows for increased survival because it allows organisms to adapt in a changing environment. It allows for evolution.

Species diversity

Variety of species

Genetic diversity

Genetic variety within a species

Ecosystem

Variety of ecosystems that occur within an area.

Key species

Influence the health and well-being of other species in the ecosystem.

Indigenous species

Occur naturally in South Africa and other parts of the world.

Endemic species

Species that are only found in a specific area.

Exotic/Alien species

Species that do not belong in an area and are brought in.

Ecosystem stability

The more biodiverse an ecosystem is, the more it can withstand environmental change.

Maintaining Biodiversity

Reducing waste and increasing recycling, Breeding programmes for endangered species, Protection and regeneration of rare habitats and species.

Classification systems

Developed to organize and study the diversity of life. Organisms are divided according to similarities and shared characteristics.

Taxa

Groups in which organisms are classified into.

Taxonomy

Science of classifying organisms and assigning each organism a universally accepted name.

Binomial Nomenclature

Each species is assigned a 2-part scientific name.

Prokaryote

Organisms with cells that do not have true nuclei, meaning that the DNA is not enclosed by a membrane.

Eukaryote

Organisms with cells with true nuclei, meaning that the DNA is enclosed by a membrane.

Asexual

Reproduction that occurs in the absence of gametes and therefore only involves the parent.

Sexual

Reproduction that involves both male and female sex cells (gametes), involving two parents.

Monera

Unicellular organisms, Prokaryotic, Asexual reproduction by binary fission.

Protista

Some are unicellular whilst others are multicellular, Eukaryotic, Motile.

Fungi

Yeasts are unicellular whilst mushrooms and moulds are multicellular, Eukaryotic, Heterotrophic

Plantae

Multicellular, Eukaryotic, Cellulose cell walls, Autotrophic

Animalia

Multicellular, Eukaryotic, No cell walls, Heterotrophic